In Philippians chapter 3, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Paul mentions two examples: one to follow and one to disregard. Paul’s example or pattern is differentiated by the “cross of Christ”. He wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 that “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The cross is where our reconciliation to FATHER was fully accomplished that we might become citizens of Heaven. Anyone who teaches otherwise is an enemy of this Truth and their destruction is assured. They preach and teach earthly doctrines which are at best temporal.
Paul boldly expresses the difference of the two paths men can take. He spoke from first hand experience as he had experience both paths himself. He walked in great Love and gratitude for his deliverance on that fateful day on the road to Damascus. The light shone from Heaven and Jesus Himself revealed to Paul that He is “The Way”. Paul saw Jesus in His glorious body and saw in His eyes the Love which intervened and took Paul off the path as an enemy of the cross of Christ.
The cross of Christ has Love at its foundation and motivation. The Beloved Disciple wrote of this revelation of Love in John chapter 3:
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Most people can quote John 3:16 but the verses afterward clearly express FATHER’S Divine Intent. FATHER is not looking to condemn us but instead to redeem us unto HIMSELF. HE is looking for citizens to populate Heaven. Citizenship is the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a person authorized to live in a community. Those people who are citizens in Heaven have accepted the Truth of the cross of Christ atoning for their sins so that they are reconciled to FATHER. You and I have rights, privileges and duties as citizens. Everyone is quick to embrace the rights and privileges but we must not forget the duties to our fellow man. We are to establish HIS Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Love is the focus in Heaven as it will come forth on earth as HIS Sons and Daughters come to full maturity. The tares will be removed and the fruitfulness of the harvest will be left to feed mankind. We will be conformed to His Glorious Body as He subdues all things to Himself.
Your duty is to operate in your gifts and calling. Now is the time to be fruitful in that which you have been called.